Sevens the Easy Way (series)

Happy Pills

by Candlebox

Product Description:

Candlebox: Kevin Martin (vocals, guitar); Peter Klett (guitar); Bardi Martin (bass); Dave Krusen (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Kim Bullard (piano organ).

Hey, it's on Madonna's label, it must be important. HAPPY PILLS is an artistically schizophrenic record for Candlebox, who've previously been lumped squarely in the alt-rock category. The band moves from the Collective Soul-ish "10,000 Horses" to the thrashing Tool-style rhythms of the title tune to an almost Pearl Jam-esque power ballad ("Blinders") without stopping to catch a breath. That's not to say there are no connecting elements here, the brash guitars and raw, rock-god vocals that are the band's trademark are present throughout. It just seems as though Candlebox are trying to play on a wider sonic field on HAPPY PILLS. Fans shouldn't fret though; ultimately the old adage applies: once a Candlebox always a Candlebox.